Next up on the schedule for the IndyCar series is one of the few bimergified events, the Rexall Edmonton Indy taking place over yonder in the Great White North. And in the spirit of the unification (or more likely due to the late scheduling of the event) the broadcast team for ESPN will feature a distinctly different lineup.

Out for this weekend is Marty Reid, who along with Jack Arute and Vince Welch will all be covering N-Word related festivities. In Marty’s place will be Bob Jenkins, who has been patiently toiling away in the Indy Lights series, trying desperately to remember the names of the weekly ride buyers.

However, as exciting as it will be hearing the unflappable Jenkins again call IndyCar races, he will still be paired with Proud Canadian Scott Goodyear in the booth. As I mentioned a month ago at this prospect:

Jenkins is the consummate professional who probably should be calling the IndyCar series races anyways, although having him call a race with the Canadian Dry that is Scott Goodyear could turn out to be sleep inducing.

Let’s hope I’m wrong. If you have read the Cheat Sheets then you know it happens a lot, so the odds are good.

Also, former Champ Car newly unified fans should be excited to learn that joining Briene Pedigo in the pits will be none other than Jon Beekhuis. I can’t account for the whereabouts of Rick Benjamin or Michelle Beisner (she might be on the NFL Network), but I can assure you that Rick DeBruhl is safe and sound here in Arizona doing consumer advocacy reports for the local NBC affiliate. No joke.

OMG. HUGE. I agree with tabernerus, Beekhuis is the shit in the pits. BRING BACK DEREK DALY. I'd most likely pass out. Thank God for DVRs.

sam
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July 22, 2008 11:50 AM

Bob Jenkins has been covering the IRL on the radio broadcasts (at least last week in Ohio, which I heard via the indycar.com free streaming feed). I can't say much about his coverage, since the radio format of placing individual commentators at different corners and having them trade off to each other every ten seconds doesn't really lend itself to great commentary.

I'm glad to see a change in the lineup. The F1 coverage on Speed has spoiled me. They have something interesting to say for novice and expert fans alike, while the ABC crew has trouble doing either.

Well put, Sam. I love how engaged in the race the F1 crew is. I don't feel nearly the level of interest or intensity on the part of the ABC crew for IRL, who pretty much comprise the worst major-league racing series team on TV. Hopefully Bob Jenkins will manage something good. And what about Paul Page?